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“You won’t allow it?” Tucker chuckled darkly, and I felt Emerson’s gaze snap towards me. I straightened and forced my tone to be more respectful.
“I have a say in where that money goes.”
“We all do,” another man bit out.
“Besides, I doubt she’s smart enough," I growled. “How were your grades?”
"My grades weren’t too bad." Her voice wavered.
“See?” Tucker gave her a bright smile, the old Maxwell charm his family was well known for, and she returned it warmly.
"That proves nothing," I snarled, my anger building.
"Can I at least apply?" Summer reluctantly looked away from Tucker, already beguiled by his good looks. She switched her attention back to Saul, who had watched the exchange with a gleeful expression on his face. "What do I need to do?”
I stood, desperation clawing up my throat. “We should put it to a vote."
Saul shot me a dark look, one I knew I would pay for later, but if I was going to stand my ground, I would do it right here, right now. Before it was too late.
"While I appreciate your advice, Rook,” Saul's tone of voice let me know he did not in any way appreciate it, "She should at least be allowed to apply for the charity. Regardless, I think you’ll find you are a lone fish in a tank of sharks, but let’s find out, shall we?” He looked at Emerson, who nodded in agreement.
My chest hollowed out, and I bit down my scathing response, instead giving a sharp nod. I was already on thin ice. Saying anything else, now that Emerson had made his decision, would force his hand.
Tucker gave me an arrogant grin and I wanted to smash his teeth into the back of his throat.
Saul stood. Facing the room, he wrapped an arm around Summer's waist, pulling her close, and I imagined breaking every single one of his fingers.
She stiffened, but forced a frozen smile, purposely not looking at me.
"All in favor of accepting an application from Miss Duvall, say ‘aye'."
The room filled with the choruses of deep voices. "Aye."
"All against?"
All eyes landed on me, including Tucker's, whose smile had grown even more triumphant, if possible.
I looked Summer in the eyes, making my position as clear as possible. "Nay."
The room was silent for a brief moment, then it erupted in whispers, and Saul’s words to her, "Summer, welcome to the Magnolia."
I sat there, frozen, in disbelief.
What the fuck just happened?
How had I failed my oath so spectacularly, in such a short time?
I stood, buttoning my suit.
The hell with staying for closing rituals.
As I passed Summer, she gave me a small, nervous smile. I could sense the unease in it.
Maybe the little bunny had some sense of instinct, after all.
If only she truly understood how she would live to regret this day.
Her father was turning over in his grave.
